Winter is upon us and although it doesn’t get as cold in Arizona as it does in other parts of the country, it is still important to make sure your pet is prepared for the colder months. Just like humans react differently in the cold, so do animals. Here are a few tips on how to keep your pets warm.

Many people keep their pets outdoors, but it is important to make sure they are warm enough. Think about if you only had one coat on in the freezing weather, would you be warm enough? The same thing applies for your pets, as just their “fur” coats may not always keep them warm enough. Make sure, if you do keep your animals outside, they have proper warmth, like a sweater or booties.

Another thing to consider during the winter transition is your pet’s diet. Think about the way bears hibernate, although it is not exactly the same for dogs and cats, they do tend to be a lot more sedentary and therefore eat less during the winter months (especially if they are indoor animals). It is the opposite if your animal is outdoors more often because they are using more energy to keep warm and in turn need more nourishment. The same goes for water. It is important to keep your pets extra hydrated during the cold months.

The next item is not as applicable to the Phoenix area, but if you are considering taking your pets into the snow it is important to keep their paws clear of snow and ice. This can be very uncomfortable for them and can even cause frostbite in severe cases. Keep booties and coats on your animals if you take them outside in the snow to ensure they stay just as warm as you are.

The last item can apply to wild critters as much as it can to our pets. Cars tend to be very nice, warm places for animals to hide out during the night. This can cause extreme problems for your car and the animal, if you are not aware that they are around or under the car. The best way to avoid these accidents is to tap your hood and check all around the car before you start it up.

For any other winter related questions, please call us or come on in for a visit! We hope everyone has a safe and warm winter season.

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